Compact media and ink cartridge for inkjet printhead

ABSTRACT

A cartridge is provided for supplying print media and ink to an inkjet printhead with which the cartridge is engaged. The cartridge comprises a casing, a core rotatably mounted inside the casing, an ink supply inside the core, a roll of print media supported by the core, and a transport mechanism mounted inside the casing for transporting the print media from the roll of print media to the printhead by rotating the core. The casing is substantially congruent to the arrangement of the transport mechanism and the roll of print media, when full, so as to provide a compact cartridge.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/831,236 filed Apr. 26, 2004, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/112,743 filed on Jul. 10, 1998, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,951.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to digital cameras and in particular, the onboard processing of image data captured by the camera.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, digital cameras have become increasingly popular. These cameras normally operate by means of imaging a desired image utilising a charge coupled device (CCD) array and storing the imaged scene on an electronic storage medium for later down loading onto a computer system for subsequent manipulation and printing out. Normally, when utilising a computer system to print out an image, sophisticated software may available to manipulate the image in accordance with requirements.

Unfortunately such systems require significant post processing of a captured image and normally present the image in an orientation to which it was taken, relying on the post processing process to perform any necessary or required modifications of the captured image. Also, much of the environmental information available when the picture was taken is lost. Furthermore, the type or size of the media substrate and the types of ink used to print the image can also affect the image quality. Accounting for these factors during post processing of the captured image data can be complex and time consuming.

The present Applicant addresses these issues with a digital camera having an image processor takes account of the lighting conditions at the time of image capture, and confirms the type of ink and media, in order to enhance the quality of the printed image. This camera is described below and in many of the cross referenced documents incorporated herein by reference.

One particular feature of this camera is the instant production of personalised postcards using an inbuilt printhead. This requires a media cartridge that holds a reasonable amount of print media while remaining compact enough to keep the overall dimensions of the camera and cartridge acceptable to users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a media cartridge for supplying print media to a printhead, the cartridge comprising:

a roll of print media;

a casing with a rotatable core for supporting the media roll;

an ink supply within the core;

at least one ink outlet at one end of the core for establishing fluid communication between the ink supply and the printhead;

a drive roller assembly for engaging an external drive to feed the print media to the printhead; wherein,

the longitudinal axes of the core, and rollers of the drive roller assembly are parallel.

A media cartridge adopting this design is particularly compact, has a high media and ink capacity and relatively cost effective to manufacture. The majority of the components can be made from injection molded plastics and snap fitted together.

In some embodiments, the core is segmented with different coloured inks stored in each of the segments, wherein each of the segments has a respective ink outlet in the end of the core.

Preferably, the drive roller assembly comprises at least one media de-curling roller; such that,

as the media is fed to the printhead, it wraps around a portion of the at least one de-curling roller to remove residual curl caused by storage as a roll.

Providing the media in a roll allows the cartridge to be small and compact. However, the curl imparted to the media from being stored as a roll can interfere with printing when the media substrate passes the printhead. Using a de-curling roller within the drive rollers can straighten the media enough for flat engagement with the platen opposite the printhead.

The invention will be described with respect to its use with a digital camera with an inbuilt printhead. However, it will be appreciated that this is merely illustrative and the invention has clear application in many other fields.

Preferably, the cartridge has one de-curling roller and two pinch rollers, wherein the pinch rollers maintain the media substrate wrapped around the required portion of the de-curling roller. In a further preferred form, one of the pinch rollers is driven. In some forms, the driven pinch roller has a geared axle that extends beyond the casing for engagement with an external drive source via a corresponding gear.

Preferably, and an outer cover enclosing the roll and the drive roller assembly, the outer cover comprising two interengaging side moldings that snap lock together to form a media outlet slot adjacent the drive roller assembly. Preferably, one side of the slot has a resilient guide extending away from the slot for resilient engagement with a paper path leading to the printhead upon installation of the cartridge. In particular embodiments, the printhead is controlled by an image processor and the cartridge further comprises an authentication chip for confirming the suitability of the ink and the media to the image processor.

In a particularly preferred form, the cartridge is configured for engagement with a cartridge interface such that the ink outlets establish fluid communication with the printhead, the image processor accesses the authentication chip, the geared axle of the drive roller engages the external drive and the resilient guide extending from the outlet slot engages the paper feed path, in a single installation action.

According to a related aspect, there is provided a digital camera for use with a media cartridge comprising a supply of media substrate on which images can be printed, and an information store with information relating to the media substrate, the camera comprising:

an image sensor for capturing an image;

an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor and transmitting processed data to a printhead; and,

a cartridge interface for accessing the information such that the image processor can utilise the information relating to the media substrate.

The camera accesses information about the media substrate so that the image processor can utilise the information to enhance the quality of the printed image.

Preferably, the media substrate has postcard formatting printed on its reverse surface so that the camera can produce personalised postcards, and the information store has the dimensions of the postcard formatting to allow the image processor to align printed images with the postcard formatting.

In a further preferred form the cartridge further comprises an ink supply for the printhead and the information store is an authentication chip that allows the image processor to confirm that the media substrate and the ink supply is suitable for use with the camera.

According to a related aspect, there is provided a digital camera for sensing and storing an image, the camera comprising:

an image sensor with a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing image data relating to a sensed image, and an auto exposure setting for adjusting the image data captured by the CCD in response to the lighting conditions at image capture; and,

an image processor for processing image data from the CCD and storing the processed data; wherein,

the image processor is adapted to use information from the auto exposure setting relating to the lighting conditions at image capture when processing the image data from the CCD.

Utilising the auto exposure setting to determine an advantageous re-mapping of colours within the image allows the processor to produce an amended image having colours within an image transformed to account of the auto exposure setting. The processing can comprise re-mapping image colours so they appear deeper and richer when the exposure setting indicates low light conditions and re-mapping image colours to be brighter and more saturated when the auto exposure setting indicates bright light conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the method of operation of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a form of print roll ready for purchase by a consumer;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view, partly in section, of an alternative form of a print roll;

FIG. 4 is a left side exploded perspective view of the print roll of FIG. 3; and,

FIG. 5 is a right side exploded perspective view of a single print roll.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment is preferable implemented through suitable programming of a hand held camera device such as that described in the present applicant's application entitled “A Digital Image Printing Camera with Image Processing Capability”, the content of which is hereby specifically incorporated by cross reference and the details of which, and other related applications are set out in the tables below.

The aforementioned patent specification discloses a camera system, hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images can be directly printed out by an Artcam portable camera unit. Further, the aforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performing various manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing device leading to the production of various effects in any output image. The manipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can be implemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, the cards hereinafter being known as Artcards. The Artcam further has significant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage of important data and images.

In the preferred embodiment, the Artcam has an auto exposure sensor for determining the light level associated with the captured image. This auto exposure sensor is utilised to process the image in accordance with the set light value so as to enhance portions of the image.

Preferably, the area image sensor includes a means for determining the light conditions when capturing an image. The area image sensor adjusts the dynamic range of values captured by the CCD in accordance with the detected level sensor. The captured image is transferred to the Artcam central processor and stored in the memory store. Intensity information, as determined by the area image sensor, is also forwarded to the ACP. This information is utilised by the Artcam central processor to manipulate the stored image to enhance certain effects.

Turning now to FIG. 1, the auto exposure setting information 1 is utilised in conjunction with the stored image 2 to process the image by utilising the ACP. The processed image is returned to the memory store for later printing out 4 on the output printer.

A number of processing steps can be undertaken in accordance with the determined light conditions. Where the auto exposure setting 1 indicates that the image was taken in a low light condition, the image pixel colours are selectively re-mapped so as to make the image colours stronger, deeper and richer.

Where the auto exposure information indicates that highlight conditions were present when the image was taken, the image colours can be processed to make them brighter and more saturated. The re-colouring of the image can be undertaken by conversion of the image to a hue-saturation-value (HSV) format and an alteration of pixel values in accordance with requirements. The pixel values can then be output converted to the required output colour format of printing.

Of course, many different re-colouring techniques may be utilised. Preferably, the techniques are clearly illustrated on the pre-requisite Artcard inserted into the reader. Alternatively, the image processing algorithms can be automatically applied and hard-wired into the camera for utilization in certain conditions.

Alternatively, the Artcard inserted could have a number of manipulations applied to the image which are specific to the auto-exposure setting. For example, clip arts containing candles etc could be inserted in a dark image and large suns inserted in bright images.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 5, the Artcam prints the images onto media stored in a replaceable print roll 5. In some preferred embodiments, the operation of the camera device is such that when a series of images is printed on a first surface of the print roll, the corresponding backing surface has a ready made postcard which can be immediately dispatched at the nearest post office box within the jurisdiction. In this way, personalized postcards can be created.

It would be evident that when utilising the postcard system as illustrated FIG. 2 only predetermined image sizes are possible as the synchronization between the backing postcard portion and the front image must be maintained. This can be achieved by utilising the memory portions of the authentication chip stored within the print roll 5 to store details of the length of each postcard backing format sheet. This can be achieved by either having each postcard the same size or by storing each size within the print rolls on-board print chip memory.

In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a modified form of print roll which can be constructed mostly from injection moulded plastic pieces suitably snapped fitted together. The modified form of print roll has a high ink storage capacity in addition to a somewhat simplified construction. The print media onto which the image is to be printed is wrapped around a plastic sleeve former for simplified construction. The ink media reservoir has a series of air vents which are constructed so as to minimise the opportunities for the ink flow out of the air vents. Further, a rubber seal is provided for the ink outlet holes with the rubber seal being pierced on insertion of the print roll into a camera system. Further, the print roll includes a print media ejection slot and the ejection slot includes a surrounding moulded surface which provides and assists in the accurate positioning of the print media ejection slot relative to the printhead within the printing or camera system.

Turning to FIG. 3 there is illustrated a single point roll unit 5 in an assembled form with a partial cutaway showing internal portions of the print roll. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate left and right side exploded perspective views respectively. The print roll 5 is constructed around the internal core portion 6 which contains an internal ink supply. Outside of the core portion 6 is provided a former 7 around which is wrapped a paper or film supply 8. Around the paper supply it is constructed two cover pieces 9, 10 which snap together around the print roll so as to form a covering unit as illustrated in FIG. 3. The bottom cover piece 10 includes a slot 11 through which the output of the print media 12 for interconnection with the camera system.

Two pinch rollers 13, 14 are provided to pinch the paper against a drive pinch roller 15 so they together provide for a decurling of the paper around the roller 15. The decurling acts to negate the strong curl that may be imparted to the paper from being stored in the form of print roll for an extended period of time. The rollers 13, 14 are provided to form a snap fit with end portions of the cover base portion 10 and the roller 15 which includes a cogged end 16 for driving, snap fits into the upper cover piece 9 so as to pinch the paper 12 firmly between.

The cover pieces 9, 10 includes an end protuberance or lip 17. The end lip 17 is provided for accurate alignment of the exit hole of the paper with a corresponding printing heat platen structure within the camera system. In this way, accurate alignment or positioning of the exiting paper relative to an adjacent printhead is provided for full guidance of the paper to the printhead.

It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

The present invention is best utilized in the Artcam device, the details of which are set out in the following paragraphs.

Ink Jet Technologies

The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Of course many different devices could be used. However presently popular ink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.

The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption. This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stems from the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves the rapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink. Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermal inkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, from electricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.

The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost. Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drive voltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, each piezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on a separate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the current limit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment to the fabrication of pagewide print heads with 19,200 nozzles.

Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements of in-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, low cost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digital photography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The target features include:

low power (less than 10 Watts)

high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)

photographic quality output

low manufacturing cost

small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)

high speed (<2 seconds per page).

All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. 45 different inkjet technologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range of choices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part of separate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in the table below.

The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digital printing systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras, through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercial printing systems

For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print head is designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS post processing. For color photographic applications, the print head is 100 mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type. The smallest print head designed is IJ38, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip area of 35 square mm. The print heads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus data and control circuitry.

Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection molded plastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which can be created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standard injection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the wafer to the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. The print head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automated bonding.

Cross-Referenced Applications

The following table is a guide to cross-referenced patent applications filed concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the reference being utilized in subsequent tables when referring to a particular case:

Docket No. Reference Title IJ01US IJ01 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer IJ02US IJ02 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ03US IJ03 Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet IJ04US IJ04 Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ05US IJ05 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer IJ06US IJ06 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer IJ07US IJ07 Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ08US IJ08 Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ09US IJ09 Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer IJ10US IJ10 Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer IJ11US IJ11 Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ12US IJ12 Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ13US IJ13 Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet Printer IJ14US IJ14 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ15US IJ15 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink Jet Printer IJ16US IJ16 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ17US IJ17 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer IJ18US IJ18 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer IJ19US IJ19 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer IJ20US IJ20 Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ21US IJ21 Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printer IJ22US IJ22 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer IJ23US IJ23 Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ24US IJ24 Conductive PTFE Ben Activator Vented Ink Jet Printer IJ25US IJ25 Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer IJ26US IJ26 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer IJ27US IJ27 Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer IJ28US IJ28 Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet Printer IJ29US IJ29 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ30US IJ30 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated Copper Ink Jet Printer IJ31US IJ31 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet Printer IJ32US IJ32 A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ33US IJ33 Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jet printer IJ34US IJ34 Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator comprising an external coiled spring IJ35US IJ35 Trough Container Ink Jet Printer IJ36US IJ36 Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet IJ37US IJ37 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator Ink Jet IJ38US IJ38 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet IJ39US IJ39 A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jet printing device IJ40US IJ40 A thermally actuated ink jet printer having a series of thermal actuator units IJ41US IJ41 A thermally actuated ink jet printer including a tapered heater element IJ42US IJ42 Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ43US IJ43 Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ44US IJ44 Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink jet printer IJ45US IJ45 Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets

Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation of individual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristics are largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an eleven dimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix include entries developed by the present assignee.

The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types.

Actuator mechanism (18 types)

Basic operation mode (7 types)

Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)

Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)

Actuator motion (19 types)

Nozzle refill method (4 types)

Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)

Nozzle clearing method (9 types)

Nozzle plate construction (9 types)

Drop ejection direction (5 types)

Ink type (7 types)

The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains 36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all of the possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, many million configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical to elucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjet types have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 to IJ45 above.

Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these 45 examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more of the 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjet print heads with characteristics superior to any currently available inkjet technology.

Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more of these examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below. The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In some cases, a printer may be listed more than once in a table, where it shares characteristics with more than one entry.

Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers, Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers, Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging, Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrial printing systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.

The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrix are set out in the following tables.

ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS) Actuator Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Thermal An electrothermal Large force High power Canon Bubblejet bubble heater heats the ink to generated Ink carrier 1979 Endo et al GB above boiling point, Simple limited to water patent 2,007,162 transferring significant construction Low efficiency Xerox heater-in- heat to the aqueous No moving parts High pit 1990 Hawkins et ink. A bubble Fast operation temperatures al U.S. Pat. No. nucleates and quickly Small chip area required 4,899,181 forms, expelling the required for actuator High mechanical Hewlett-Packard ink. stress TIJ 1982 Vaught et The efficiency of the Unusual al U.S. Pat. No. process is low, with materials required 4,490,728 typically less than Large drive 0.05% of the electrical transistors energy being Cavitation causes transformed into actuator failure kinetic energy of the Kogation reduces drop. bubble formation Large print heads are difficult to fabricate Piezo- A piezoelectric crystal Low power Very large area Kyser et al electric such as lead consumption required for actuator U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,398 lanthanum zirconate Many ink types Difficult to Zoltan U.S. Pat. (PZT) is electrically can be used integrate with No. 3,683,212 activated, and either Fast operation electronics 1973 Stemme expands, shears, or High efficiency High voltage U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,120 bends to apply drive transistors Epson Stylus pressure to the ink, required Tektronix ejecting drops. Full pagewidth IJ04 print heads impractical due to actuator size Requires electrical poling in high field strengths during manufacture Electro- An electric field is Low power Low maximum Seiko Epson, strictive used to activate consumption strain (approx. Usui et all JP electrostriction in Many ink types 0.01%) 253401/96 relaxor materials such can be used Large area IJ04 as lead lanthanum Low thermal required for actuator zirconate titanate expansion due to low strain (PLZT) or lead Electric field Response speed magnesium niobate strength required is marginal (~10 (PMN). (approx. 3.5 μs) V/μm) High voltage can be generated drive transistors without difficulty required Does not require Full pagewidth electrical poling print heads impractical due to actuator size Ferro- An electric field is Low power Difficult to IJ04 electric used to induce a phase consumption integrate with transition between the Many ink types electronics antiferroelectric (AFE) can be used Unusual and ferroelectric (FE) Fast operation materials such as phase. Perovskite (<1 μs) PLZSnT are materials such as tin Relatively high required modified lead longitudinal strain Actuators require lanthanum zirconate High efficiency a large area titanate (PLZSnT) Electric field exhibit large strains of strength of around 3 up to 1% associated V/μm can be with the AFE to FE readily provided phase transition. Electro- Conductive plates are Low power Difficult to IJ02, IJ04 static plates separated by a consumption operate electrostatic compressible or fluid Many ink types devices in an dielectric (usually air). can be used aqueous Upon application of a Fast operation environment voltage, the plates The electrostatic attract each other and actuator will displace ink, causing normally need to be drop ejection. The separated from the conductive plates may ink be in a comb or Very large area honeycomb structure, required to achieve or stacked to increase high forces the surface area and High voltage therefore the force. drive transistors may be required Full pagewidth print heads are not competitive due to actuator size Electro- A strong electric field Low current High voltage 1989 Saito et al, static pull is applied to the ink, consumption required U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068 on ink whereupon Low temperature May be damaged 1989 Miura et al, electrostatic attraction by sparks due to air U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,954 accelerates the ink breakdown Tone-jet towards the print Required field medium. strength increases as the drop size decreases High voltage drive transistors required Electrostatic field attracts dust Permanent An electromagnet Low power Complex IJ07, IJ10 magnet directly attracts a consumption fabrication electro- permanent magnet, Many ink types Permanent magnetic displacing ink and can be used magnetic material causing drop ejection. Fast operation such as Neodymium Rare earth magnets High efficiency Iron Boron (NdFeB) with a field strength Easy extension required. around 1 Tesla can be from single nozzles High local used. Examples are: to pagewidth print currents required Samarium Cobalt heads Copper (SaCo) and magnetic metalization should materials in the be used for long neodymium iron boron electromigration family (NdFeB, lifetime and low NdDyFeBNb, resistivity NdDyFeB, etc) Pigmented inks are usually infeasible Operating temperature limited to the Curie temperature (around 540K) Soft A solenoid induced a Low power Complex IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, IJ10 magnetic magnetic field in a soft consumption fabrication IJ12, IJ14, IJ15, IJ17 core electro- magnetic core or yoke Many ink types Materials not magnetic fabricated from a can be used usually present in a ferrous material such Fast operation CMOS fab such as as electroplated iron High efficiency NiFe, CoNiFe, or alloys such as CoNiFe Easy extension CoFe are required [1], CoFe, or NiFe from single nozzles High local alloys. Typically, the to pagewidth print currents required soft magnetic material heads Copper is in two parts, which metalization should are normally held be used for long apart by a spring. electromigration When the solenoid is lifetime and low actuated, the two parts resistivity attract, displacing the Electroplating is ink. required High saturation flux density is required (2.0–2.1 T is achievable with CoNiFe [1]) Magnetic The Lorenz force Low power Force acts as a IJ06, IJ11, IJ13, IJ16 Lorenz acting on a current consumption twisting motion force carrying wire in a Many ink types Typically, only a magnetic field is can be used quarter of the utilized. Fast operation solenoid length This allows the High efficiency provides force in a magnetic field to be Easy extension useful direction supplied externally to from single nozzles High local the print head, for to pagewidth print currents required example with rare heads Copper earth permanent metalization should magnets. be used for long Only the current electromigration carrying wire need be lifetime and low fabricated on the print- resistivity head, simplifying Pigmented inks materials are usually requirements. infeasible Magneto- The actuator uses the Many ink types Force acts as a Fischenbeck, striction giant magnetostrictive can be used twisting motion U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,929 effect of materials Fast operation Unusual IJ25 such as Terfenol-D (an Easy extension materials such as alloy of terbium, from single nozzles Terfenol-D are dysprosium and iron to pagewidth print required developed at the Naval heads High local Ordnance Laboratory, High force is currents required hence Ter-Fe-NOL). available Copper For best efficiency, the metalization should actuator should be pre- be used for long stressed to approx. 8 electromigration MPa. lifetime and low resistivity Pre-stressing may be required Surface Ink under positive Low power Requires Silverbrook, EP tension pressure is held in a consumption supplementary force 0771 658 A2 and reduction nozzle by surface Simple to effect drop related patent tension. The surface construction separation applications tension of the ink is No unusual Requires special reduced below the materials required in ink surfactants bubble threshold, fabrication Speed may be causing the ink to High efficiency limited by surfactant egress from the Easy extension properties nozzle. from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Viscosity The ink viscosity is Simple Requires Silverbrook, EP reduction locally reduced to construction supplementary force 0771 658 A2 and select which drops are No unusual to effect drop related patent to be ejected. A materials required in separation applications viscosity reduction can fabrication Requires special be achieved Easy extension ink viscosity electrothermally with from single nozzles properties most inks, but special to pagewidth print High speed is inks can be engineered heads difficult to achieve for a 100:1 viscosity Requires reduction. oscillating ink pressure A high temperature difference (typically 80 degrees) is required Acoustic An acoustic wave is Can operate Complex drive 1993 Hadimioglu generated and without a nozzle circuitry et al, EUP 550,192 focussed upon the plate Complex 1993 Elrod et al, drop ejection region. fabrication EUP 572,220 Low efficiency Poor control of drop position Poor control of drop volume Thermo- An actuator which Low power Efficient aqueous IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, IJ18 elastic bend relies upon differential consumption operation requires a IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, IJ22 actuator thermal expansion Many ink types thermal insulator on IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 upon Joule heating is can be used the hot side IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 used. Simple planar Corrosion IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 fabrication prevention can be IJ37, IJ38 ,IJ39, IJ40 Small chip area difficult IJ41 required for each Pigmented inks actuator may be infeasible, Fast operation as pigment particles High efficiency may jam the bend CMOS actuator compatible voltages and currents Standard MEMS processes can be used Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads High CTE A material with a very High force can Requires special IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20 thermo- high coefficient of be generated material (e.g. PTFE) IJ21, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 elastic thermal expansion Three methods of Requires a PTFE IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, IJ30 actuator (CTE) such as candidate for low deposition process, IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 polytetrafluoroethylene dielectric constant which is not yet (PTFE) is used. As insulation in ULSI standard in ULSI high CTE materials Very low power fabs are usually non- consumption PTFE deposition conductive, a heater Many ink types cannot be followed fabricated from a can be used with high conductive material is Simple planar temperature (above incorporated. A 50 μm fabrication 350° C.) processing long PTFE bend Small chip area Pigmented inks actuator with required for each may be infeasible, polysilicon heater and actuator as pigment particles 15 mW power input Fast operation may jam the bend can provide 180 High efficiency actuator μN force CMOS and 10 μm compatible voltages deflection. Actuator and currents motions include: Easy extension 1) Bend from single nozzles 2) Push to pagewidth print 3) Buckle heads 4) Rotate Conductive A polymer with a high High force can Requires special IJ24 polymer coefficient of thermal be generated materials thermo- expansion (such as Very low power development (High elastic PTFE) is doped with consumption CTE conductive actuator conducting substances Many ink types polymer) to increase its can be used Requires a PTFE conductivity to about 3 Simple planar deposition process, orders of magnitude fabrication which is not yet below that of copper. Small chip area standard in ULSI The conducting required for each fabs polymer expands actuator PTFE deposition when resistively Fast operation cannot be followed heated. High efficiency with high Examples of CMOS temperature (above conducting dopants compatible voltages 350° C.) processing include: and currents Evaporation and 1) Carbon nanotubes Easy extension CVD deposition 2) Metal fibers from single nozzles techniques cannot 3) Conductive polymers to pagewidth print be used such as doped heads Pigmented inks polythiophene may be infeasible, 4) Carbon granules as pigment particles may jam the bend actuator Shape A shape memory alloy High force is Fatigue limits IJ26 memory such as TiNi (also available (stresses maximum number alloy known as Nitinol - of hundreds of MPa) of cycles Nickel Titanium alloy Large strain is Low strain (1%) developed at the Naval available (more than is required to extend Ordnance Laboratory) 3%) fatigue resistance is thermally switched High corrosion Cycle rate between its weak resistance limited by heat martensitic state and Simple removal its high stiffness construction Requires unusual austenic state. The Easy extension materials (TiNi) shape of the actuator from single nozzles The latent heat of in its martensitic state to pagewidth print transformation must is deformed relative to heads be provided the austenic shape. Low voltage High current The shape change operation operation causes ejection of a Requires pre- drop. stressing to distort the martensitic state Linear Linear magnetic Linear Magnetic Requires unusual IJ12 Magnetic actuators include the actuators can be semiconductor Actuator Linear Induction constructed with materials such as Actuator (LIA), Linear high thrust, long soft magnetic alloys Permanent Magnet travel, and high (e.g. CoNiFe[1]) Synchronous Actuator efficiency using Some varieties (LPMSA), Linear planar also require Reluctance semiconductor permanent magnetic Synchronous Actuator fabrication materials such as (LRSA), Linear techniques Neodymium iron Switched Reluctance Long actuator boron (NdFeB) Actuator (LSRA), and travel is available Requires the Linear Stepper Medium force is complex multi- Actuator (LSA). available phase drive circuitry Low voltage High current operation operation

BASIC OPERATION MODE Operational mode Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Actuator This is the simplest Simple operation Drop repetition Thermal ink jet directly mode of operation: the No external rate is usually Piezoelectric inkjet pushes ink actuator directly fields required limited to around 10 IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, IJ04 supplies sufficient Satellite drops KHz. However, this IJ05, IJ06, IJ07, IJ09 kinetic energy to expel can be avoided if is not fundamental IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, IJ16 the drop. The drop drop velocity is less to the method, but is IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 must have a sufficient than 4 m/s related to the refill IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28 velocity to overcome Can be efficient, method normally IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 the surface tension. depending upon the used IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 actuator used All of the drop IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40 kinetic energy must IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 be provided by the actuator Satellite drops usually form if drop velocity is greater than 4.5 m/s Proximity The drops to be Very simple print Requires close Silverbrook, EP printed are selected by head fabrication can proximity between 0771 658 A2 and some manner (e.g. be used the print head and related patent thermally induced The drop the print media or applications surface tension selection means transfer roller reduction of does not need to May require two pressurized ink). provide the energy print heads printing Selected drops are required to separate alternate rows of the separated from the ink the drop from the image in the nozzle by nozzle Monolithic color contact with the print print heads are medium or a transfer difficult roller. Electro- The drops to be Very simple print Requires very Silverbrook, EP static pull printed are selected by head fabrication can high electrostatic 0771 658 A2 and on ink some manner (e.g. be used field related patent thermally induced The drop Electrostatic field applications surface tension selection means for small nozzle Tone-Jet reduction of does not need to sizes is above air pressurized ink). provide the energy breakdown Selected drops are required to separate Electrostatic field separated from the ink the drop from the may attract dust in the nozzle by a nozzle strong electric field. Magnetic The drops to be Very simple print Requires Silverbrook, EP pull on ink printed are selected by head fabrication can magnetic ink 0771 658 A2 and some manner (e.g. be used Ink colors other related patent thermally induced The drop than black are applications surface tension selection means difficult reduction of does not need to Requires very pressurized ink). provide the energy high magnetic fields Selected drops are required to separate separated from the ink the drop from the in the nozzle by a nozzle strong magnetic field acting on the magnetic ink. Shutter The actuator moves a High speed (>50 Moving parts are IJ13, IJ17, IJ21 shutter to block ink KHz) operation can required flow to the nozzle. The be achieved due to Requires ink ink pressure is pulsed reduced refill time pressure modulator at a multiple of the Drop timing can Friction and wear drop ejection be very accurate must be considered frequency. The actuator Stiction is energy can be very possible low Shuttered The actuator moves a Actuators with Moving parts are IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, IJ19 grill shutter to block ink small travel can be required flow through a grill to used Requires ink the nozzle. The shutter Actuators with pressure modulator movement need only small force can be Friction and wear be equal to the width used must be considered of the grill holes. High speed (>50 Stiction is KHz) operation can possible be achieved Pulsed A pulsed magnetic Extremely low Requires an IJ10 magnetic field attracts an ‘ink energy operation is external pulsed pull on ink pusher’ at the drop possible magnetic field pusher ejection frequency. An No heat Requires special actuator controls a dissipation materials for both catch, which prevents problems the actuator and the the ink pusher from ink pusher moving when a drop is Complex not to be ejected. construction

AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES) Auxiliary Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None The actuator directly Simplicity of Drop ejection Most inkjets, fires the ink drop, and construction energy must be including there is no external Simplicity of supplied by piezoelectric and field or other operation individual nozzle thermal bubble. mechanism required. Small physical actuator IJ01–IJ07, IJ09, IJ11 size IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22 IJ23–IJ45 Oscillating The ink pressure Oscillating ink Requires external Silverbrook, EP ink pressure oscillates, providing pressure can provide ink pressure 0771 658 A2 and (including much of the drop a refill pulse, oscillator related patent acoustic ejection energy. The allowing higher Ink pressure applications stimulation) actuator selects which operating speed phase and amplitude IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 drops are to be fired The actuators must be carefully IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 by selectively may operate with controlled blocking or enabling much lower energy Acoustic nozzles. The ink Acoustic lenses reflections in the ink pressure oscillation can be used to focus chamber must be may be achieved by the sound on the designed for vibrating the print nozzles head, or preferably by an actuator in the ink supply. Media The print head is Low power Precision Silverbrook, EP proximity placed in close High accuracy assembly required 0771 658 A2 and proximity to the print Simple print head Paper fibers may related patent medium. Selected construction cause problems applications drops protrude from Cannot print on the print head further rough substrates than unselected drops, and contact the print medium. The drop soaks into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation. Transfer Drops are printed to a High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EP roller transfer roller instead Wide range of Expensive 0771 658 A2 and of straight to the print print substrates can Complex related patent medium. A transfer be used construction applications roller can also be used Ink can be dried Tektronix hot for proximity drop on the transfer roller melt piezoelectric separation. inkjet Any of the IJ series Electro- An electric field is Low power Field strength Silverbrook, EP static used to accelerate Simple print head required for 0771 658 A2 and selected drops towards construction separation of small related patent the print medium. drops is near or applications above air breakdown Tone-Jet Direct A magnetic field is Low power Requires Silverbrook, EP magnetic used to accelerate Simple print head magnetic ink 0771 658 A2 and field selected drops of construction Requires strong related patent magnetic ink towards magnetic field applications the print medium. Cross The print head is Does not require Requires external IJ06, IJ16 magnetic placed in a constant magnetic materials magnet field magnetic field. The to be integrated in Current densities Lorenz force in a the print head may be high, current carrying wire manufacturing resulting in is used to move the process electromigration actuator. problems Pulsed A pulsed magnetic Very low power Complex print IJ10 magnetic field is used to operation is possible head construction field cyclically attract a Small print head Magnetic paddle, which pushes size materials required in on the ink. A small print head actuator moves a catch, which selectively prevents the paddle from moving.

ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD Actuator amplification Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None No actuator Operational Many actuator Thermal Bubble mechanical simplicity mechanisms have Inkjet amplification is used. insufficient travel, IJ01, IJ02, IJ06, IJ07 The actuator directly or insufficient force, IJ16, IJ25, IJ26 drives the drop to efficiently drive ejection process. the drop ejection process Differential An actuator material Provides greater High stresses are Piezoelectric expansion expands more on one travel in a reduced involved IJ03, IJ09, IJ17–IJ24 bend side than on the other. print head area Care must be IJ27, IJ29–IJ39, IJ42, actuator The expansion may be taken that the IJ43, IJ44 thermal, piezoelectric, materials do not magnetostrictive, or delaminate other mechanism. The Residual bend bend actuator converts resulting from high a high force low travel temperature or high actuator mechanism to stress during high travel, lower formation force mechanism. Transient bend A trilayer bend Very good High stresses are IJ40, IJ41 actuator actuator where the two temperature stability involved outside layers are High speed, as a Care must be identical. This cancels new drop can be taken that the bend due to ambient fired before heat materials do not temperature and dissipates delaminate residual stress. The Cancels residual actuator only responds stress of formation to transient heating of one side or the other. Actuator A series of thin Increased travel Increased Some stack actuators are stacked. Reduced drive fabrication piezoelectric ink jets This can be voltage complexity IJ04 appropriate where Increased actuators require high possibility of short electric field strength, circuits due to such as electrostatic pinholes and piezoelectric actuators. Multiple Multiple smaller Increases the Actuator forces IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, IJ20 actuators actuators are used force available from may not add IJ22, IJ28, IJ42, IJ43 simultaneously to an actuator linearly, reducing move the ink. Each Multiple efficiency actuator need provide actuators can be only a portion of the positioned to control force required. ink flow accurately Linear A linear spring is used Matches low Requires print IJ15 Spring to transform a motion travel actuator with head area for the with small travel and higher travel spring high force into a requirements longer travel, lower Non-contact force motion. method of motion transformation Reverse The actuator loads a Better coupling Fabrication IJ05, IJ11 spring spring. When the to the ink complexity actuator is turned off, High stress in the the spring releases. spring This can reverse the force/distance curve of the actuator to make it compatible with the force/time requirements of the drop ejection. Coiled A bend actuator is Increases travel Generally IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35 actuator coiled to provide Reduces chip restricted to planar greater travel in a area implementations reduced chip area. Planar due to extreme implementations are fabrication difficulty relatively easy to in other orientations. fabricate. Flexure A bend actuator has a Simple means of Care must be IJ10, IJ19, IJ33 bend small region near the increasing travel of taken not to exceed actuator fixture point, which a bend actuator the elastic limit in flexes much more the flexure area readily than the Stress remainder of the distribution is very actuator. The actuator uneven flexing is effectively Difficult to converted from an accurately model even coiling to an with finite element angular bend, resulting analysis in greater travel of the actuator tip. Gears Gears can be used to Low force, low Moving parts are IJ13 increase travel at the travel actuators can required expense of duration. be used Several actuator Circular gears, rack Can be fabricated cycles are required and pinion, ratchets, using standard More complex and other gearing surface MEMS drive electronics methods can be used. processes Complex construction Friction, friction, and wear are possible Catch The actuator controls a Very low Complex IJ10 small catch. The catch actuator energy construction either enables or Very small Requires external disables movement of actuator size force an ink pusher that is Unsuitable for controlled in a bulk pigmented inks manner. Buckle A buckle plate can be Very fast Must stay within S. Hirata et al, plate used to change a slow movement elastic limits of the “An Ink-jet Head . . . ”, actuator into a fast achievable materials for long Proc. IEEE MEMS, motion. It can also device life February 1996, convert a high force, High stresses pp 418–423. low travel actuator involved IJ18, IJ27 into a high travel, Generally high medium force motion. power requirement Tapered A tapered magnetic Linearizes the Complex IJ14 magnetic pole can increase magnetic construction pole travel at the expense force/distance curve of force. Lever A lever and fulcrum is Matches low High stress IJ32, IJ36, IJ37 used to transform a travel actuator with around the fulcrum motion with small higher travel travel and high force requirements into a motion with Fulcrum area has longer travel and no linear movement, lower force. The lever and can be used for can also reverse the a fluid seal direction of travel. Rotary The actuator is High mechanical Complex IJ28 impeller connected to a rotary advantage construction impeller. A small The ratio of force Unsuitable for angular deflection of to travel of the pigmented inks the actuator results in actuator can be a rotation of the matched to the impeller vanes, which nozzle requirements push the ink against by varying the stationary vanes and number of impeller out of the nozzle. vanes Acoustic A refractive or No moving parts Large area 1993 Hadimioglu lens diffractive (e.g. zone required et al, EUP 550,192 plate) acoustic lens is Only relevant for 1993 Elrod et al, used to concentrate acoustic ink jets EUP 572,220 sound waves. Sharp A sharp point is used Simple Difficult to Tone-jet conductive to concentrate an construction fabricate using point electrostatic field. standard VLSI processes for a surface ejecting ink-jet Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets

ACTUATOR MOTION Actuator motion Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Volume The volume of the Simple High energy is Hewlett-Packard expansion actuator changes, construction in the typically required to Thermal Ink jet pushing the ink in all case of thermal ink achieve volume Canon Bubblejet directions. jet expansion. This leads to thermal stress, cavitation, and kogation in thermal ink jet implementations Linear, The actuator moves in Efficient High fabrication IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ07 normal to a direction normal to coupling to ink complexity may be IJ11, IJ14 chip surface the print head surface. drops ejected required to achieve The nozzle is typically normal to the perpendicular in the line of surface motion movement. Linear, The actuator moves Suitable for Fabrication IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, IJ33 parallel to parallel to the print planar fabrication complexity IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 chip surface head surface. Drop Friction ejection may still be Stiction normal to the surface. Membrane An actuator with a The effective Fabrication 1982 Howkins push high force but small area of the actuator complexity U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,601 area is used to push a becomes the Actuator size stiff membrane that is membrane area Difficulty of in contact with the ink. integration in a VLSI process Rotary The actuator causes Rotary levers Device IJ05, IJ08, IJ13, IJ28 the rotation of some may be used to complexity element, such a grill or increase travel May have impeller Small chip area friction at a pivot requirements point Bend The actuator bends A very small Requires the 1970 Kyser et al when energized. This change in actuator to be made U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,398 may be due to dimensions can be from at least two 1973 Stemme differential thermal converted to a large distinct layers, or to U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,120 expansion, motion. have a thermal IJ03, IJ09, IJ10, IJ19 piezoelectric difference across the IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ29 expansion, actuator IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, IJ34 magnetostriction, or IJ35 other form of relative dimensional change. Swivel The actuator swivels Allows operation Inefficient IJ06 around a central pivot. where the net linear coupling to the ink This motion is suitable force on the paddle motion where there are is zero opposite forces Small chip area applied to opposite requirements sides of the paddle, e.g. Lorenz force. Straighten The actuator is Can be used with Requires careful IJ26, IJ32 normally bent, and shape memory balance of stresses straightens when alloys where the to ensure that the energized. austenic phase is quiescent bend is planar accurate Double The actuator bends in One actuator can Difficult to make IJ36, IJ37, IJ38 bend one direction when be used to power the drops ejected by one element is two nozzles. both bend directions energized, and bends Reduced chip identical. the other way when size. A small another element is Not sensitive to efficiency loss energized. ambient temperature compared to equivalent single bend actuators. Shear Energizing the Can increase the Not readily 1985 Fishbeck actuator causes a shear effective travel of applicable to other U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,590 motion in the actuator piezoelectric actuator material. actuators mechanisms Radial con- The actuator squeezes Relatively easy High force 1970 Zoltan striction an ink reservoir, to fabricate single required U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,212 forcing ink from a nozzles from glass Inefficient constricted nozzle. tubing as Difficult to macroscopic integrate with VLSI structures processes Coil/uncoil A coiled actuator Easy to fabricate Difficult to IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35 uncoils or coils more as a planar VLSI fabricate for non- tightly. The motion of process planar devices the free end of the Small area Poor out-of-plane actuator ejects the ink. required, therefore stiffness low cost Bow The actuator bows (or Can increase the Maximum travel IJ16, IJ18, IJ27 buckles) in the middle speed of travel is constrained when energized. Mechanically High force rigid required Push-Pull Two actuators control The structure is Not readily IJ18 a shutter. One actuator pinned at both ends, suitable for ink jets pulls the shutter, and so has a high out-of- which directly push the other pushes it. plane rigidity the ink Curl A set of actuators curl Good fluid flow Design IJ20, IJ42 inwards inwards to reduce the to the region behind complexity volume of ink that the actuator they enclose. increases efficiency Curl A set of actuators curl Relatively simple Relatively large IJ43 outwards outwards, pressurizing construction chip area ink in a chamber surrounding the actuators, and expelling ink from a nozzle in the chamber. Iris Multiple vanes enclose High efficiency High fabrication IJ22 a volume of ink. These Small chip area complexity simultaneously rotate, Not suitable for reducing the volume pigmented inks between the vanes. Acoustic The actuator vibrates The actuator can Large area 1993 Hadimioglu vibration at a high frequency. be physically distant required for et al, EUP 550,192 from the ink efficient operation 1993 Elrod et al, at useful frequencies EUP 572,220 Acoustic coupling and crosstalk Complex drive circuitry Poor control of drop volume and position None In various ink jet No moving parts Various other Silverbrook, EP designs the actuator tradeoffs are 0771 658 A2 and does not move. required to related patent eliminate moving applications parts Tone-jet

NOZZLE REFILL METHOD Nozzle refill method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Surface After the Fabrication Low speed Thermal ink jet tension actuator is energized, simplicity Surface tension Piezoelectric inkjet it typically returns Operational force relatively IJ01–IJ07, IJ10–IJ14 rapidly to its normal simplicity small compared to IJ16, IJ20, IJ22–IJ45 position. This rapid actuator force return sucks in air Long refill time through the nozzle usually dominates opening. The ink the total repetition surface tension at the rate nozzle then exerts a small force restoring the meniscus to a minimum area. This force refills the nozzle. Shuttered Ink to the nozzle High speed Requires IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 oscillating chamber is provided at Low actuator common ink IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 ink pressure a pressure that energy, as the pressure oscillator oscillates at twice the actuator need only May not be drop ejection open or close the suitable for frequency. When a shutter, instead of pigmented inks drop is to be ejected, ejecting the ink the shutter is opened drop for 3 half cycles: drop ejection, actuator return, and refill. Refill After the main High speed, as Requires two IJ09 actuator actuator has ejected a the nozzle is independent drop a second (refill) actively refilled actuators per nozzle actuator is energized. The refill actuator pushes ink into the nozzle chamber. The refill actuator returns slowly, to prevent its return from emptying the chamber again. Positive ink The ink is held a slight High refill rate, Surface spill Silverbrook, EP pressure positive pressure. therefore a high must be prevented 0771 658 A2 and After the ink drop is drop repetition rate Highly related patent ejected, the nozzle is possible hydrophobic print applications chamber fills quickly head surfaces are Alternative for: as surface tension and required IJ01–IJ07, IJ10–IJ14 ink pressure both IJ16, IJ20, IJ22–IJ45 operate to refill the nozzle.

METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET Inlet back-flow restriction method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Long inlet The ink inlet channel Design simplicity Restricts refill Thermal inkjet channel to the nozzle chamber Operational rate Piezoelectric inkjet is made long and simplicity May result in a IJ42, IJ43 relatively narrow, Reduces relatively large chip relying on viscous crosstalk area drag to reduce inlet Only partially back-flow. effective Positive ink The ink is under a Drop selection Requires a Silverbrook, EP pressure positive pressure, so and separation method (such as a 0771 658 A2 and that in the quiescent forces can be nozzle rim or related patent state some of the ink reduced effective applications drop already protrudes Fast refill time hydrophobizing, or Possible from the nozzle. both) to prevent operation of the This reduces the flooding of the following: pressure in the nozzle ejection surface of IJ01–IJ07, IJ09–IJ12 chamber which is the print head. IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22, required to eject a IJ23–IJ34, IJ36–IJ41 certain volume of ink. IJ44 The reduction in chamber pressure results in a reduction in ink pushed out through the inlet. Baffle One or more baffles The refill rate is Design HP Thermal Ink are placed in the inlet not as restricted as complexity Jet ink flow. When the the long inlet May increase Tektronix actuator is energized, method. fabrication piezoelectric ink the rapid ink Reduces complexity (e.g. jet movement creates crosstalk Tektronix hot melt eddies which restrict Piezoelectric print the flow through the heads). inlet. The slower refill process is unrestricted, and does not result in eddies. Flexible flap In this method recently Significantly Not applicable to Canon restricts disclosed by Canon, reduces back-flow most ink jet inlet the expanding actuator for edge-shooter configurations (bubble) pushes on a thermal ink jet Increased flexible flap that devices fabrication restricts the inlet. complexity Inelastic deformation of polymer flap results in creep over extended use Inlet filter A filter is located Additional Restricts refill IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, IJ27 between the ink inlet advantage of ink rate IJ29, IJ30 and the nozzle filtration May result in chamber. The filter Ink filter may be complex has a multitude of fabricated with no construction small holes or slots, additional process restricting ink flow. steps The filter also removes particles which may block the nozzle. Small inlet The ink inlet channel Design simplicity Restricts refill IJ02, IJ37, IJ44 compared to the nozzle chamber rate to nozzle has a substantially May result in a smaller cross section relatively large chip than that of the nozzle, area resulting in easier ink Only partially egress out of the effective nozzle than out of the inlet. Inlet shutter A secondary actuator Increases speed Requires separate IJ09 controls the position of of the ink-jet print refill actuator and a shutter, closing off head operation drive circuit the ink inlet when the main actuator is energized. The inlet is The method avoids the Back-flow Requires careful IJ01, IJ03, 1J05, IJ06 located problem of inlet back- problem is design to minimize IJ07, IJ10, IJ11, IJ14 behind the flow by arranging the eliminated the negative IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, IJ25 ink-pushing ink-pushing surface of pressure behind the IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33 surface the actuator between paddle IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39 the inlet and the IJ40, IJ41 nozzle. Part of the The actuator and a Significant Small increase in IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, IJ38 actuator wall of the ink reductions in fabrication moves to chamber are arranged back-flow can be complexity shut off the so that the motion of achieved inlet the actuator closes off Compact designs the inlet. possible Nozzle In some configurations Ink back-flow None related to Silverbrook, EP actuator of ink jet, there is no problem is ink back-flow on 0771 658 A2 and does not expansion or eliminated actuation related patent result in ink movement of an applications back-flow actuator which may Valve-jet cause ink back-flow Tone-jet through the inlet. IJ08, IJ13, 1J15, IJ17 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21

NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD Nozzle Clearing method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Normal All of the nozzles are No added May not be Most ink jet nozzle firing fired periodically, complexity on the sufficient to systems before the ink has a print head displace dried ink IJ01–IJ07, IJ09–IJ12 chance to dry. When IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22 not in use the nozzles IJ23–IJ34, IJ36–IJ45 are sealed (capped) against air. The nozzle firing is usually performed during a special clearing cycle, after first moving the print head to a cleaning station. Extra In systems which heat Can be highly Requires higher Silverbrook, EP power to the ink, but do not boil effective if the drive voltage for 0771 658 A2 and ink heater it under normal heater is adjacent to clearing related patent situations, nozzle the nozzle May require applications clearing can be larger drive achieved by over- transistors powering the heater and boiling ink at the nozzle. Rapid The actuator is fired in Does not require Effectiveness May be used with: succession rapid succession. In extra drive circuits depends IJ01–IJ07, IJ09–IJ11 of actuator some configurations, on the print head substantially upon IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22 pulses this may cause heat Can be readily the configuration of IJ23–IJ25, IJ27–IJ34 build-up at the nozzle controlled and the ink jet nozzle IJ36–IJ45 which boils the ink, initiated by digital clearing the nozzle. In logic other situations, it may cause sufficient vibrations to dislodge clogged nozzles. Extra Where an actuator is A simple Not suitable May be used with: power to not normally driven to solution where where there is a IJ03, IJ09, IJ16, IJ20 ink pushing the limit of its motion, applicable hard limit to IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ27 actuator nozzle clearing may be actuator movement IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 assisted by providing IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42 an enhanced drive IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 signal to the actuator. Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is A high nozzle High IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 resonance applied to the ink clearing capability implementation cost IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 chamber. This wave is can be achieved if system does not of an appropriate May be already include an amplitude and implemented at very acoustic actuator frequency to cause low cost in systems sufficient force at the which already nozzle to clear include acoustic blockages. This is actuators easiest to achieve if the ultrasonic wave is at a resonant frequency of the ink cavity. Nozzle A microfabricated Can clear Accurate Silverbrook, EP clearing plate is pushed against severely clogged mechanical 0771 658 A2 and plate the nozzles. The plate nozzles alignment is related patent has a post for every required applications nozzle. The array of Moving parts are posts. required There is risk of damage to the nozzles Accurate fabrication is required Ink The pressure of the ink May be effective Requires May be used pressure is temporarily where other pressure pump or with all IJ series ink pulse increased so that ink methods cannot be other pressure jets streams from all of the used actuator nozzles. This may be Expensive used in conjunction Wasteful of ink with actuator energizing. Print head A flexible ‘blade’ is Effective for Difficult to use if Many ink jet wiper wiped across the print planar print head print head surface is systems head surface. The surfaces non-planar or very blade is usually Low cost fragile fabricated from a Requires flexible polymer, e.g. mechanical parts rubber or synthetic Blade can wear elastomer. out in high volume print systems Separate A separate heater is Can be effective Fabrication Can be used with ink boiling provided at the nozzle where other nozzle complexity many IJ series ink heater although the normal clearing methods jets drop ejection cannot be used mechanism does not Can be require it. The heaters implemented at no do not require additional cost in individual drive some inkjet circuits, as many configurations nozzles can be cleared simultaneously, and no imaging is required.

NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION Nozzle plate construction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Electro- A nozzle plate is Fabrication High Hewlett Packard formed separately fabricated simplicity temperatures and Thermal Inkjet nickel from electroformed pressures are nickel, and bonded to required to bond the print head chip. nozzle plate Minimum thickness constraints Differential thermal expansion Laser Individual nozzle No masks Each hole must Canon Bubblejet ablated or holes are ablated by an required be individually 1988 Sercel et drilled intense UV laser in a Can be quite fast formed al., SPIE, Vol. 998 polymer nozzle plate, which is Some control Special Excimer Beam typically a polymer over nozzle profile equipment required Applications, pp. such as polyimide or is possible Slow where there 76–83 polysulphone Equipment are many thousands 1993 Watanabe required is relatively of nozzles per print et al., U.S. Pat. No. low cost head 5,208,604 May produce thin burrs at exit holes Silicon A separate nozzle High accuracy is Two part K. Bean, IEEE micro- plate is attainable construction Transactions on machined micromachined from High cost Electron Devices, single crystal silicon, Requires Vol. ED-25, No. 10, and bonded to the precision alignment 1978, pp 1185–1195 print head wafer. Nozzles may be Xerox 1990 clogged by adhesive Hawkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Glass Fine glass capillaries No expensive Very small 1970 Zoltan capillaries are drawn from glass equipment required nozzle sizes are U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,212 tubing. This method Simple to make difficult to form has been used for single nozzles Not suited for making individual mass production nozzles, but is difficult to use for bulk manufacturing of print heads with thousands of nozzles. Monolithic, The nozzle plate is High accuracy Requires Silverbrook, EP surface deposited as a layer (<1 μm) sacrificial layer 0771 658 A2 and micro- using standard VLSI Monolithic under the nozzle related patent machined deposition techniques. Low cost plate to form the applications using VLSI Nozzles are etched in Existing nozzle chamber IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ11 litho- the nozzle plate using processes can be Surface may be IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20 graphic VLSI lithography and used fragile to the touch IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 processes etching. IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37 IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41 IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, The nozzle plate is a High accuracy Requires long IJ03, IJ05, IJ06, IJ07 etched buried etch stop in the (<1 μm) etch times IJ08, IJ09, IJ10, IJ13 through wafer. Nozzle Monolithic Requires a IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, IJ19 substrate chambers are etched in Low cost support wafer IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, IJ26 the front of the wafer, No differential and the wafer is expansion thinned from the back side. Nozzles are then etched in the etch stop layer. No nozzle Various methods have No nozzles to Difficult to Ricoh 1995 plate been tried to eliminate become clogged control drop Sekiya et al the nozzles entirely, to position accurately U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413 prevent nozzle Crosstalk 1993 Hadimioglu clogging. These problems et al EUP 550,192 include thermal bubble 1993 Elrod et al mechanisms and EUP 572,220 acoustic lens mechanisms Trough Each drop ejector has Reduced Drop firing IJ35 a trough through manufacturing direction is sensitive which a paddle moves. complexity to wicking. There is no nozzle Monolithic plate. Nozzle slit The elimination of No nozzles to Difficult to 1989 Saito et al instead of nozzle holes and become clogged control drop U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068 individual replacement by a slit position accurately nozzles encompassing many Crosstalk actuator positions problems reduces nozzle clogging, but increases crosstalk due to ink surface waves

DROP EJECTION DIRECTION Ejection direction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Edge Ink flow is along the Simple Nozzles limited Canon Bubblejet (‘edge surface of the chip, construction to edge 1979 Endo et al GB shooter’) and ink drops are No silicon High resolution patent 2,007,162 ejected from the chip etching required is difficult Xerox heater-in- edge. Good heat Fast color pit 1990 Hawkins et al sinking via substrate printing requires U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Mechanically one print head per Tone-jet strong color Ease of chip handing Surface Ink flow is along the No bulk silicon Maximum ink Hewlett-Packard (‘roof surface of the chip, etching required flow is severely TIJ 1982 Vaught et al shooter’) and ink drops are Silicon can make restricted U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728 ejected from the chip an effective heat IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, IJ20 surface, normal to the sink IJ22 plane of the chip. Mechanical strength Through Ink flow is through the High ink flow Requires bulk Silverbrook, EP chip, chip, and ink drops are Suitable for silicon etching 0771 658 A2 and forward ejected from the front pagewidth print related patent (‘up surface of the chip. High nozzle applications shooter’) packing density IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, IJ24 therefore low IJ27–IJ45 manufacturing cost Through Ink flow is through the High ink flow Requires wafer IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06 chip, chip, and ink drops are Suitable for thinning IJ07, IJ08, IJ09, IJ10 reverse ejected from the rear pagewidth print Requires special IJ13, IJ14, IJ15, IJ16 (‘down surface of the chip. High nozzle handling during IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, IJ25 shooter’) packing density manufacture IJ26 therefore low manufacturing cost Through Ink flow is through the Suitable for Pagewidth print Epson Stylus actuator actuator, which is not piezoelectric print heads require Tektronix hot fabricated as part of heads several thousand melt piezoelectric the same substrate as connections to drive ink jets the drive transistors. circuits Cannot be manufactured in standard CMOS fabs Complex assembly required

INK TYPE Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous, Water based ink which Environmentally Slow drying Most existing inkjets dye typically contains: friendly Corrosive All IJ series ink jets water, dye, surfactant, No odor Bleeds on paper Silverbrook, EP humectant, and May 0771 658 A2 and biocide. strikethrough related patent Modern ink dyes have Cockles paper applications high water-fastness, light fastness Aqueous, Water based ink which Environmentally Slow drying IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, IJ26 pigment typically contains: friendly Corrosive IJ27, IJ30 water, pigment, No odor Pigment may Silverbrook, EP surfactant, humectant, Reduced bleed clog nozzles 0771 658 A2 and and biocide. Reduced wicking Pigment may related patent Pigments have an Reduced clog actuator applications advantage in reduced strikethrough mechanisms Piezoelectric ink-jets bleed, wicking and Cockles paper Thermal ink jets strikethrough. (with significant restrictions) Methyl MEK is a highly Very fast drying Odorous All IJ series ink Ethyl volatile solvent used Prints on various Flammable jets Ketone for industrial printing substrates such as (MEK) on difficult surfaces metals and plastics such as aluminum cans. Alcohol Alcohol based inks Fast drying Slight odor All IJ series ink (ethanol, can be used where the Operates at sub- Flammable jets 2-butanol, printer must operate at freezing and others) temperatures below temperatures the freezing point of Reduced paper water. An example of cockle this is in-camera Low cost consumer photographic printing. Phase The ink is solid at No drying time- High viscosity Tektronix hot change room temperature, and ink instantly freezes Printed ink melt piezoelectric (hot melt) is melted in the print on the print medium typically has a ink jets head before jetting. Almost any print ‘waxy’ feel 1989 Nowak Hot melt inks are medium can be used Printed pages U.S. Pat. No. usually wax based, No paper cockle may ‘block’ 4,820,346 with a melting point occurs Ink temperature All IJ series ink around 80° C. After No wicking may be above the jets jetting the ink freezes occurs curie point of almost instantly upon No bleed occurs permanent magnets contacting the print No strikethrough Ink heaters medium or a transfer occurs consume power roller. Long warm-up time Oil Oil based inks are High solubility High viscosity: All IJ series ink extensively used in medium for some this is a significant jets offset printing. They dyes limitation for use in have advantages in Does not cockle ink jets, which improved paper usually require a characteristics on Does not wick low viscosity. Some paper (especially no through paper short chain and wicking or cockle). multi-branched oils Oil soluble dies and have a sufficiently pigments are required. low viscosity. Slow drying Micro- A microemulsion is a Stops ink bleed Viscosity higher All IJ series ink emulsion stable, self forming High dye than water jets emulsion of oil, water, solubility Cost is slightly and surfactant. The Water, oil, and higher than water characteristic drop size amphiphilic soluble based ink is less than 100 nm, dies can be used High surfactant and is determined by Can stabilize concentration the preferred curvature pigment required (around of the surfactant. suspensions 5%) Ink Jet Printing

A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed to facilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing and data distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can be included in printer devices incorporated as part of the present invention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to these ink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Austra- US Patent/ lian Patent Provi- Application sional and Filing Number Filing Date Title Date PO8066 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,227,652 and Apparatus (IJ01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8072 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,213,588 and Apparatus (IJ02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8040 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,213,589 and Apparatus (IJ03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8071 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,231,163 and Apparatus (IJ04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8047 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,247,795 and Apparatus (IJ05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8035 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,394,581 and Apparatus (IJ06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8044 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,244,691 and Apparatus (IJ07) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8063 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,257,704 and Apparatus (IJ08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8057 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,416,168 and Apparatus (IJ09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8056 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,220,694 and Apparatus (IJ10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8069 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,257,705 and Apparatus (IJ11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8049 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,247,794 and Apparatus (IJ12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8036 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,234,610 and Apparatus (IJ13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8048 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,247,793 and Apparatus (IJ14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8070 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,264,306 and Apparatus (IJ15) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8067 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,241,342 and Apparatus (IJ16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8001 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,247,792 and Apparatus (IJ17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8038 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,264,307 and Apparatus (IJ18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8033 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,254,220 and Apparatus (IJ19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8002 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,234,611 and Apparatus (IJ20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8068 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,302,528 and Apparatus (IJ21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8062 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,283,582 and Apparatus (IJ22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8034 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,239,821 and Apparatus (IJ23) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8039 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,338,547 and Apparatus (IJ24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8041 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,247,796 and Apparatus (IJ25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8004 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 09/113,122 and Apparatus (IJ26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8037 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,390,603 and Apparatus (IJ27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8043 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,362,843 and Apparatus (IJ28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8042 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,293,653 and Apparatus (IJ29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8064 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,312,107 and Apparatus (IJ30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9389 23 Sep. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,227,653 and Apparatus (IJ31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9391 23 Sep. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,234,609 and Apparatus (IJ32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0888 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,238,040 and Apparatus (IJ33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0891 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,188,415 and Apparatus (IJ34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,227,654 and Apparatus (IJ35) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0873 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,209,989 and Apparatus (IJ36) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0993 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,247,791 and Apparatus (IJ37) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,336,710 and Apparatus (IJ38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1398 19 Jan. 1998 An Image Creation Method 6,217,153 and Apparatus (IJ39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2592 25 Mar. 1998 An Image Creation Method 6,416,167 and Apparatus (IJ40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2593 25 Mar. 1998 Image Creation Method 6,243,113 and Apparatus (IJ41) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3991 9 Jun. 1998 Image Creation Method 6,283,581 and Apparatus (IJ42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3987 9 Jun. 1998 Image Creation Method 6,247,790 and Apparatus (IJ43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3985 9 Jun. 1998 Image Creation Method 6,260,953 and Apparatus (IJ44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3983 9 Jun. 1998 Image Creation Method 6,267,469 and Apparatus (IJ45) (Jul. 10, 1998) Ink Jet Manufacturing

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Austra- US Patent/ lian Patent Provi- Application sional and Filing Number Filing Date Title Date PO7935 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,224,780 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM01) PO7936 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,235,212 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM02) PO7937 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,280,643 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM03) PO8061 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,284,147 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM04) PO8054 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,214,244 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM05) PO8065 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,071,750 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM06) PO8055 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,267,905 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM07) PO8053 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,251,298 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM08) PO8078 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,258,285 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM09) PO7933 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,225,138 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM10) PO7950 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,241,904 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM11) PO7949 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,299,786 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM12) PO8060 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 09/113,124 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM13) PO8059 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,231,773 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM14) PO8073 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,190,931 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM15) PO8076 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,248,249 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM16) PO8075 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,290,862 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM17) PO8079 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,241,906 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM18) PO8050 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 09/113,116 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM19) PO8052 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,241,905 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM20) PO7948 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,451,216 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM21) PO7951 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,231,772 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM22) PO8074 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,274,056 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM23) PO7941 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,290,861 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM24) PO8077 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,248,248 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM25) PO8058 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,306,671 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM26) PO8051 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,331,258 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM27) PO8045 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,110,754 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM28) PO7952 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,294,101 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM29) PO8046 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,416,679 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM30) PO8503 11 Aug. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,264,849 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM30a) PO9390 23 Sep. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,254,793 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM31) PO9392 23 Sep. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,235,211 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM32) PP0889 12 Dec. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,235,211 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM35) PP0887 12 Dec. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,264,850 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM36) PP0882 12 Dec. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,258,284 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM37) PP0874 12 Dec. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,258,284 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM38) PP1396 19 Jan. 1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,228,668 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM39) PP2591 25 Mar. 1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,180,427 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM41) PP3989 9 Jun. 1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,171,875 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM40) PP3990 9 Jun. 1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,267,904 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM42) PP3986 9 Jun. 1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,245,247 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM43) PP3984 9 Jun. 1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,245,247 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM44) PP3982 9 Jun. 1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,231,148 of an Image (Jul. 10, 1998) Creation Apparatus (IJM45) Fluid Supply

Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system to the ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to a series of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application and Number Filing Date Title Filing Date PO8003 15 Jul. 1997 Supply Method 6,350,023 and Apparatus (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8005 15 Jul. 1997 Supply Method 6,318,849 and Apparatus (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9404 23 Sep. 1997 A Device and 09/113,101 Method (F3) (Jul. 10, 1998) MEMS Technology

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor microelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application and Number Filing Date Title Filing Date PO7943 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS01) PO8006 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8007 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS03) 09/113,093 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8008 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS04) 6,340,222 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8010 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS05) 6,041,600 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8011 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS06) 6,299,300 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7947 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS07) 6,067,797 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7945 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS08) 09/113,081 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7944 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS09) 6,286,935 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7946 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS10) 6,044,646 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9393 23 Sep. 1997 A Device and Method 09/113,065 (MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0875 12 Dec. 1997 A Device (MEMS12) 09/113,078 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0894 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and Method 09/113,075 (MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998) IR Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a disposable camera system such as those described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Austra- US Patent/ lian Patent Provi- Application sional and Filing Number Filing Date Title Date PP0895 12 Dec. 1997 An Image Creation Method 6,231,148 and Apparatus (IR01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0870 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and Method (IR02) 09/113,106 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0869 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and Method (IR04) 6,293,658 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 09/113,104 and Apparatus (IR05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0885 12 Dec. 1997 An Image Production 6,238,033 System (IR06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0884 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,312,070 and Apparatus (IR10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0886 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,238,111 and Apparatus (IR12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0871 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and Method (IR13) 09/113,086 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0876 12 Dec. 1997 An Image Processing Method 09/113,094 and Apparatus (IR14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0877 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and Method (IR16) 6,378,970 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0878 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and Method (IR17) 6,196,739 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0879 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and Method (IR18) 09/112,774 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0883 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and Method (IR19) 6,270,182 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0880 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and Method (IR20) 6,152,619 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0881 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and Method (IR21) 09/113,092 (Jul. 10, 1998) DotCard Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a data distribution system such as that described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application and Number Filing Date Title Filing Date PP2370 16 Mar. 1998 Data Processing 09/112,781 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (Dot01) PP2371 16 Mar. 1998 Data Processing 09/113,052 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (Dot02) Artcam Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of camera and data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device as described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Austra- US Patent/ lian Patent Provi- Application sional and Filing Number Filing Date Title Date PO7991 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/113,060 and Apparatus (ART01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7988 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,476,863 and Apparatus (ART02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7993 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/113,073 and Apparatus (ART03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9395 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,322,181 and Apparatus (ART04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8017 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,747 and Apparatus (ART06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8014 15 Jul. 1997 Media Device (ART07) 6,227,648 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8025 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,750 and Apparatus (ART08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8032 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,746 and Apparatus (ART09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7999 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,743 and Apparatus (ART10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7998 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,742 and Apparatus (ART11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8031 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,741 and Apparatus (ART12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8030 15 Jul. 1997 Media Device (ART13) 6,196,541 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7997 15 Jul. 1997 Media Device (ART15) 6,195,150 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7979 15 Jul. 1997 Media Device (ART16) 6,362,868 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8015 15 Jul. 1997 Media Device (ART17) 09/112,738 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7978 15 Jul. 1997 Media Device (ART18) 09/113,067 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7982 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,431,669 and Apparatus (ART19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7989 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,362,869 and Apparatus (ART20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8019 15 Jul. 1997 Media Processing Method 6,472,052 and Apparatus (ART21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7980 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,356,715 and Apparatus (ART22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8018 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,777 and Apparatus (ART24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7938 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/113,224 and Apparatus (ART25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8016 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,366,693 and Apparatus (ART26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8024 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,329,990 and Apparatus (ART27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7940 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,072 and Apparatus (ART28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7939 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/112,785 and Apparatus (ART29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8501 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,137,500 and Apparatus (ART30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8500 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,796 and Apparatus (ART31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7987 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,071 and Apparatus (ART32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8022 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,398,328 and Apparatus (ART33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8497 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/113,090 and Apparatus (ART34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8020 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,431,704 and Apparatus (ART38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8023 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,222 and Apparatus (ART39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8504 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,786 and Apparatus (ART42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8000 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,415,054 and Apparatus (ART43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7977 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/112,782 and Apparatus (ART44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7934 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,056 and Apparatus (ART45) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7990 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,059 and Apparatus (ART46) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8499 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,486,886 and Apparatus (ART47) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8502 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,381,361 and Apparatus (ART48) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7981 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,317,192 and Apparatus (ART50) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7986 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,057 and Apparatus (ART51) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7983 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,054 and Apparatus (ART52) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8026 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,752 and Apparatus (ART53) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8027 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,759 and Apparatus (ART54) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8028 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,757 and Apparatus (ART56) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9394 23 Sep. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,357,135 and Apparatus (ART57) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9396 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,107 and Apparatus (ART58) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9397 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,271,931 and Apparatus (ART59) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9398 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,353,772 and Apparatus (ART60) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9399 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,106,147 and Apparatus (ART61) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9400 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/112,790 and Apparatus (ART62) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9401 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,304,291 and Apparatus (ART63) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9402 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/112,788 and Apparatus (ART64) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9403 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,305,770 and Apparatus (ART65) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9405 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,289,262 and Apparatus (ART66) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0959 16 Dec. 1997 A Data Processing Method 6,315,200 and Apparatus (ART68) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1397 19 Jan. 1998 A Media Device (ART69) 6,217,165 (Jul. 10, 1998) 

1. A cartridge for supplying print media and ink to an inkjet printhead with which the cartridge is engaged, the cartridge comprising: a casing; a core rotatably mounted inside the casing; an ink supply inside the core; a roll of print media supported by the core; and a transport mechanism mounted inside the casing for transporting the print media from the roll of print media to the printhead by rotating the core, wherein the casing is substantially congruent to the arrangement of the transport mechanism and the roll of print media, when full.
 2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the core incorporates an ink outlet at one end thereof arranged to establish fluid communication between the ink supply and the printhead.
 3. A cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: the ink supply has a plurality of segments for storing different coloured inks; and the ink outlet of the core incorporates an outlet for each segment.
 4. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the transport mechanism incorporates a drive roller arranged to engage an external drive so as to be rotated and thereby transport the print media from the roll of print media to the printhead.
 5. A cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the transport mechanism further incorporates a plurality of pinch rollers arranged with respect to the drive roller so that a de-curling force is imparted to the print media during transportation.
 6. A cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the drive roller has a geared axle that extends beyond the casing for engagement with the external drive via a corresponding gear.
 7. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the casing is formed of moldings that snap lock together so as to encase the roll of print media, the core, the ink supply and the transport mechanism, the moldings being configured so that an outlet is formed through which the print media is transported by the transport mechanism, in use. 